In the realm of aspirations, achievements, and successes, one finds the self immersed in contemplation. Persistently inquiring, “Why is it that our life’s course is so intricately interwoven with the social tapestry? Why must one constantly seek definition and purpose, when the path of self-discovery through mistakes remains uncharted?” Yet, the world resounds with a resolute message, insisting that veering from the prescribed path is a sure path to failure. Society dictates that to exist in its realm, one must embody a specific identity. However, one persistently questions this norm, demanding to know, “Why?” In response, the sobering refrain, “Because, in the end, it will be only the departed who surround your deathbed, and the world will remain indifferent to your departure.”This notion of “dying a dog’s death” casts a pall of fear over existence, compelling individuals to craft rituals steeped in spirituality. This fear, left unchecked, can cast one adrift from their authentic self, rendering them unable to embrace honesty. In the twilight of life, last hope centers on progeny, wishing that their children, when they perform their final rites, will bestow upon them the peace of letting go.
This act symbolizes the embrace of new life and signifies a genuine success—one that liberates the soul from the cycle of generational trauma, fostering wholeness and redemption. A year has passed since Baba, my beloved grandfather, departed this world. The numbness that has shielded me through this time now begins to weigh heavy, urging me to reacquaint myself with my emotions and embark on the journey of grief. In this pursuit, I return to the ancestral cremation grounds at Valmiki Ghat in Bithoor. There, I document the solemn space of the cremation grounds, seeking to unravel the significance of these age-old rituals and pondering their impact on the grieving process. The impact it has over the lives built around such a process. I pose the question, “Do these traditions truly aid in the healing process, or do they inadvertently hinder it? Have we, in our quest to understand, grasped the full weight of this profound human experience, finding solace through acceptance?”
Through this project, I endeavor to capture the essence of this profound human experience, shedding light on the interconnectedness of life, death, and rebirth in the unique community that lives by the Ganga. The rituals and traditions at the cremation grounds serve as a focal point for my exploration, inviting viewers to contemplate the intricate tapestry of existence and the timelessness found in the cycle of life along the sacred banks of the river, where the community stands as a testament to the enduring connection between life and death.
